5 Ways to Simplify Keeping Track of Multiple Schedules

Posted on August 21, 2007 by
Categories: Simplification,Techniques

Every family I know of has places to go and people to see. Unfortunately, most families are not all going to the same places and seeing the same people. So what is a busy parent to do? We have to keep track of everyone’s comings and goings.

There are some definite ways you can simplify keeping track of multiple schedules.

Use One Calendar

This may seem like a no-brainer, but most of my friends have everyone’s schedules in different places. Dad’s schedule is on his computer, Mom’s in her planner, and the children’s scattered on various pieces of paper.

Buy yourself a large calendar. If you have school-aged children, try to find one that covers the school year.

Enter Everyone’s Schedule on the One Calendar

Next, enter your schedule on it, and have everyone else do the same. You can get fancy like different colored inks for different people, but the simplest method is to write initials by the events. For young children, stickers representing the activities (soccer ball stickers for soccer games, music notes for lessons) can be used.

Keep the Calendar Up To Date

A calendar isn’t good if the information isn’t current. Have a set time to review the calendar with your family, adding and removing as necessary. This is also a good time for the drivers in the family to figure out who is going to drive where.

Check the Calendar At Least Daily

If the information is there, but you don’t consult it, it won’t do much good. Make sure you know where little Susie is supposed to be after school tomorrow, and that little Mikey needs to bring his bathing suit to preschool.

Stick To It

In our house, if it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t happen. A few slips like that and people will come around. You just have to stick to it. In my case, I forgot to write a concert on the calendar that I really wanted to see. Guess what? I didn’t get to see it!

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Comments (2)

 

  1. Ernie Oporto says:
    August 21, 2007 at 5:19 pm

    Print out a combined Google Calendar with subscriptions to everyone else’s calendars. Trick is getting everyone to consistently use it.

  2. LJ says:
    August 22, 2007 at 6:00 am

    Getting people to update it, that is the trick with any system, isn’t it? That’s where I found the “if it’s not on the main calendar, it doesn’t exist” rule to be handy.

    I love the thought of an online solution, but unfortunately, with a pre-reader in the house, I think we’re a few years away from that.

    Thanks for the suggestion!